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Moving to a 'Fresh' new spot

Jennifer Vail Wyman moved her yoga studio to Woodbury Lakes last month. A grand opening is set for November. (Staff photo by Riham Feshir)

Woodbury’s first yoga studio has a new home.

Yoga Fresh moved from its Woodbury Drive location to a bigger one at a nearby outdoor mall.

Owner Jennifer Vail Wyman said the Woodbury Lakes spot allows for two rooms and flexible schedules throughout the day and evening.

Yoga Fresh opened in 2007, in the middle of a recession, and has stayed open through the tough times, something Wyman is proud of.

The studio has 14 instructors who teach everything from hot yoga to Yin yoga, strength-based sessions to healing ones.

“There is literally something for everyone,” she said, adding that students can mix and match practicing challenging classes and Yin yoga, which is a more relaxing class, during the same week. “And almost feel like you’re getting a massage and be fired up for the next day.”

Wyman started out as a competitive dancer and moved to San Diego with the intention of opening up her own dance studio.

After dance injuries and business school, she shifted her business plan from a dance studio to a yoga studio.

“It was a natural progression over 10 to 12 years,” she said, adding that yoga appeals to a more diverse group whereas dance focuses on children.

One of the popular yoga classes that has been drawing more participants all across the Twin Cities is the Barre, a cross training workout that incorporates strength exercises with balance.

Wyman said she began offering them two years ago and they’ll continue at Yoga Fresh as the demand rises for various types of yoga.

“The boot camp version is a nonstop, pretty intense workout that people really enjoy,” she said.

In addition to Barre, Yoga Fresh teachers allow those in rehab to focus on their healing and restoration in some of the classes that go at a slower pace.

Though meditation and strength classes have their niche, the heated yoga class will be especially popular in the next few months.

“It’s awesome in the middle of winter when you feel like you need to thaw your body out,” Wyman said.

The new location of Yoga Fresh, in addition to offering more space for all the teachers and students, is more conveniently located and benefits from synergy of next door business like Trader Joes, Wyman said.

Wyman is having a grand re-opening at Yoga Fresh Saturday, Nov. 23 where visitors will be able to try out some of the classes.

Riham Feshir is a reporter and photographer for the Woodbury Bulletin. Her coverage includes Woodbury City Hall, Washington County Board of Commissioners and business news.
Follow Riham on Twitter @RihamFeshir for the latest updates.